Looking at the tail end of 2006 and the beginning of 2007 it is plain to see crime has been soaring across the country. Women’s security issues, which have always been a special concern anyway, have also risen dramatically.

Violent crime had been at unprecedented low levels for many years. However, in 2006, crime rates from coast to coast started rising, drastically. Police in many areas found themselves scrambling to find ways to slow down the rising tide of violent crime.

Combinations of factors are causing the recent surge. Lower governmental funding for programs and police hiring is a cause, however, not the only reason, as many may believe. Another major factor is that young people commit most crimes. For many years the U.S. has been low in this age group, however, this is not the case now. Additionally, many people who have been incarcerated for committing crimes in years past are being released and are getting back to their old lifestyle.

It is also important to note some cities across America have astoundingly low high-school graduation rates--where only between 30 and 50 percent of students graduate. This leaves thousands of young people with a low self-image, tons of time on their hands and the need for money. Intertwined, is the abuse of drugs and alcohol by some of these youngsters to numb what they feel is a sad and bitter existence. Drugs and alcohol twists their thought processes and in turn we see more violent crime.

There is also the undeniable fact that starting from a very young age, children are raised with violence being literally all around them. Many movies, video games and certain types of music cheapens, glorifies, and in a round-about way shows children that violence is really no big deal, quite acceptable and a viable answer to frustrations.

Additionally, economic reasons play a role in violent crime, even though most experts do not consider it a major factor in 2007’s spikes.

Consequently, the reasons behind the United States’ violent crime increases are multi- faceted. Most of the reasons are social problems that are ever-changing and which unquestionably must be addressed as they arise. However, in the interim, law-abiding men, women and children have the right to live a calm, safe and secure life.

It is not a time to panic or over react, however, I recommend people consider working towards being more aware of their surroundings and taking other simple, yet effective self-protection measures.

I wrote a book, which strives to show how women can take control of their safety no matter how high or low crime rates may be, emphasizing realistic strategies women can always utilize. There are other books and videos on the market that can help men, women and children in keeping safe and secure. As crime continues to spike (as it will) keep your eyes open for newspapers, magazines and television all doing more pieces on how to stay safe and secure.

Crime will go down again, it is just a matter of time. Our challenge is to not become a victim until it does